Evidence supporting the use of: Branched-chain amino acids
For the health condition: Nephritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—have been investigated for their potential role in supporting patients with nephritis, particularly those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nephrotic syndrome. The rationale for their use is primarily scientific, based on the observation that patients with nephritis often develop protein-energy malnutrition due to reduced protein intake and increased protein loss in urine. BCAAs are essential amino acids that can help maintain muscle mass and support nutritional status without excessively increasing nitrogenous waste, which is important in renal impairment.

Clinical studies have evaluated BCAA supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease and those on low-protein diets. Some evidence suggests that BCAA supplementation may improve nutritional status, serum albumin levels, and quality of life in malnourished renal patients. However, the evidence is mixed; while some trials report benefits, others show minimal or no significant improvements in clinical outcomes. The use of BCAAs is more established in the context of hepatic encephalopathy than in nephritis.

Guidelines from nephrology societies do not strongly endorse routine BCAA supplementation for nephritis, reserving it for select cases of malnutrition where standard dietary interventions are insufficient. Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and modest supporting evidence (hence the rating of 2), BCAAs should not be considered a standard treatment for nephritis but may be considered as adjunctive nutritional support in specific patient populations.

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